By offering a digital alternative in a predominantly manual sector, he streamlines money exchanges for informal economy participants.

South African entrepreneur Kosta Scholiadis, founder and CEO of fintech startup Street Wallet, is expanding the company’s digital payment services to better serve the country’s large informal economy.

Founded in 2021, Street Wallet provides a platform that simplifies daily transactions for small businesses. It enables users to accept payments, send funds, and receive disbursements without needing technical expertise, helping small traders manage cash flow and operate more efficiently.

The solution is aimed at street vendors, parking attendants, corner shops, and multi-site businesses looking to streamline collections and build customer loyalty. Payments are made using QR codes, accessible to both merchants and customers. Street Wallet ensures next-day access to funds, improving financial reliability for its users.

In August 2025, the company raised $350,000 to support its expansion from Cape Town and Durban into Johannesburg by year’s end. A month later, Street Wallet acquired Digitip, a digital tipping platform for informal workers.

Scholiadis holds a bachelor's degree in financial modeling and asset valuation from the University of Cape Town (2022). He previously founded Sportnet, a pan-African football database focused on scouting young talent, and in 2016 launched Total Football Academy, a development center for young football players in South Africa.

Before starting Street Wallet, he worked as a data analyst at eGaming SA (2019-2020) and served as head coach for third-division club Goal50 United FC. From November 2021 to July 2025, he was a product manager at AirPortr, a London-based tech company specializing in airline baggage logistics.

Melchior Koba